PLEASE HELP advise for getting into a Law School!! 7 Years, 2 Months ago

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Hi,

I'm a new member here, so I apologize if my post does not fit the norm, but I am desperate for advise and help getting into a Law School and could use all the help I can get.

Here is my situation. I graduated a Cal State about 2 and a half years ago with a 2.5 GPA and a degree in Law & Society. I have taken the LSAT twice already, the first time I cancelled my score as advised by a tutor. I waited 3 months to give it a second try, did little to no studying due to some family issues (deaths in the family) and in all honesty a whole lot of laziness and lack of motivation in my part due to manic depression and some anxiety. I scored a shameful 139 and considered abandoning my Law School dream, pressured by family and friends I sent out one single application, to John Cooley Law School in Michigan ( 4th Tier School).

I was rejected, and abandoned my Law School plans for a while. Now I have overcome my personal problems and feel I want to try and get into a Law School though I know the odds are against me. I'm obviously not looking for a Harvard, a Columbia or a prestigious Law School admission like many here, not a hole in the wall unknown school either but honestly I know on paper I am not competitive enough for most school but I know I have the ambition, drive and motivation to do well in Law School, I am just a terrible test taker and had too much fun in college (I was an undergrad 16-20yrs old).

So here is my dilemma and question. I have researched 3rd and 4th Tier Schools online, and have come to the conclusion I need at least a 150 range score. I have been out of school for two years now, and I'm growing impatient, I would like to keep myself busy academically while I study for the LSAT, I was considering getting a Paralegal degree while studying for the LSAT, to keep me in the Law real and around fellow students who may be interested in working in the field of Law. Some friends and family advised me to instead do a short Masters Program while studying and waiting for admission to next fall (almost a year from now).

What do you all suggest? should I do a year and a half of a paralegal program while I study for the LSAT? Just take a Kaplan or Powerscore for a few months then random classes at a JC to keep my mind sharp? Do a MBA or MPA program? Forget Law School? Please advise I am going through hell trying to make up my mind and no one in my life has the knowledge or experience to advise me.

Thank you to all who have read, and my apologies for the lengthy emotional rant. Please be kind enough to give some help!

Re:PLEASE HELP advise for getting into a Law School!! 7 Years, 2 Months ago

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Definately take a prep course like Princeton Review or Kaplan. There is a pyschology to the questions and the aim to to anticipate the twists and turns so that you can answer the question correctly.

My advise would be to focus on the LSAT for 2-3 months full time and then take the paralegal course after the LSAT.

Ok, so lets say that you get into Cooley. Thats good and bad. The good is that you are in law school. The bad is that you are in a T4 law school. But, with a law degree you can do many different things.

I'd say gather as many options as you can. Law school, MBA and paralegal and then make a decisions.

Re:PLEASE HELP advise for getting into a Law School!! 7 Years, 2 Months ago

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Sounds like you need to take a prep course before you take the LSAT.

My friend went to Cooley in Lansing. She scored a 148 on the LSAT and graduated top 10 in her class and is now a partner is a 15 attorney firm. You make it what you put into it. If this is your dream, then dont stop at paralegal. That would be your biggest regret.

Re:PLEASE HELP advise for getting into a Law School!! 7 Years, 2 Months ago

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Thank you so much for your post! you have no idea how helpful and inspirational it is to me. You are so right, it is all about what you make of it, your friend is awesome for and I hope to do exactly what she has accomplished. Thank you very much!

Re:PLEASE HELP advise for getting into a Law School!! 7 Years, 2 Months ago

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Many peopel do both. The Princeton Review (TPR) offers discounts on this site with discount codes and will help you with test prep. Powerscore have a great set of practice questions. If you need your score to jump, then do both. Take TPR first then run through the Powerscore books.